Find HS Code and trade information for universal ball

Universal Ball

A universal ball, commonly referred to as a bearing ball, is a sphere, typically made of steel, ceramic, or other hard materials, used within ball bearings and other mechanical components to reduce friction and enable smooth rotational or linear movement.

Material

• Steel: The most common material due to its high strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Common steel alloys include chrome steel (SAE 52100) and stainless steel (e.g., 440C).
• Ceramic: Typically silicon nitride (Si3N4) or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Ceramic balls offer superior hardness, corrosion resistance, and performance at high temperatures and speeds, but are generally more expensive.
• Other Materials: Glass, plastic (such as PTFE or nylon), and even ruby (for specialized applications) can be used depending on the specific requirements.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a universal ball is to minimize friction between moving parts. By rolling instead of sliding, balls significantly reduce energy loss and wear.

Function

Universal balls function by:

• Reducing Friction: Rolling motion offers a much lower coefficient of friction compared to sliding.
• Supporting Loads: Balls distribute loads evenly, preventing concentrated stress on surfaces.
• Enabling Rotation: In ball bearings, balls allow for smooth and efficient rotational movement between shafts and housings.
• Linear Motion: Balls can also be used in linear bearings to facilitate smooth linear travel.

Usage Scenarios

Universal balls are found in a wide range of applications, including:

• Ball Bearings: The most common application, used in everything from electric motors and wheels to hard drives and precision instruments.
• Linear Bearings: Used in slides, rails, and other applications requiring smooth linear motion.
• Valve Components: Used in ball valves to control fluid flow.
• Pen Tips: Small steel balls are often used in ballpoint pens.
• Aerospace Applications: Ceramic balls are used in high-speed, high-temperature applications.
• Automotive Industry: Found in wheel bearings, transmissions, and steering systems.

Common Types

• Chrome Steel Balls: Standard for most bearing applications.
• Stainless Steel Balls: Offer corrosion resistance, ideal for wet or harsh environments.
• Ceramic Balls (Silicon Nitride): High-performance, used in high-speed, high-temperature, or corrosive environments.
• Ceramic Balls (Aluminum Oxide): Less expensive than silicon nitride, suitable for moderate performance requirements.
• Retaining Balls: Used in indexing mechanisms and other applications where precise positioning is required.
• Precision Balls: Manufactured to extremely tight tolerances for high-precision instruments.

Universal ball products fall under several classifications depending on their specific composition and use. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 8483604080: This code covers parts of clutches and shaft couplings, specifically universal joints. It applies to universal joints themselves.

  • 84: Chapter 84 – Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.
  • 83: Heading 83 – Transmission shafts (including camshafts and crankshafts) and cranks; bearing housings, housed bearings and plain shaft bearings; gears and gearing; ball or roller screws; gear boxes and other speed changers, including torque converters; flywheels and pulleys, including pulley blocks; clutches and shaft couplings (including universal joints); parts thereof.
  • 60: Subheading 60 – Clutches and shaft couplings (including universal joints).
  • 40: Further specifies clutches and universal joints.
  • 80: Specifically for universal joints.

• 8483908040: This code applies to parts of toothed wheels, chain sprockets, and other transmission elements presented separately, specifically parts of universal joints.

  • 84: Chapter 84 – Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.
  • 83: Heading 83 – Transmission shafts (including camshafts and crankshafts) and cranks; bearing housings, housed bearings and plain shaft bearings; gears and gearing; ball or roller screws; gear boxes and other speed changers, including torque converters; flywheels and pulleys, including pulley blocks; clutches and shaft couplings (including universal joints); parts thereof.
  • 90: Subheading 90 – Toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately; parts.
  • 80: Further specifies parts of universal joints.
  • 40: Specifically for parts of universal joints.

• 7326110000: This code covers forged or stamped articles of iron or steel, including grinding balls and similar articles for mills. If the universal ball is made of iron or steel and is used as a grinding ball, this code may be applicable.

  • 73: Chapter 73 – Articles of iron or steel.
  • 26: Heading 26 – Other articles of iron or steel.
  • 11: Subheading 11 – Forged or stamped, but not further worked.
  • 00: Specifically for grinding balls and similar articles for mills.

• 7325910000: This code covers other cast articles of iron or steel, including grinding balls and similar articles for mills. If the universal ball is made of iron or steel and is cast, this code may be applicable.

  • 73: Chapter 73 – Articles of iron or steel.
  • 25: Heading 25 – Other cast articles of iron or steel.
  • 91: Subheading 91 – Other.
  • 00: Specifically for grinding balls and similar articles for mills.

Regarding HS code 7326110000 and 7325910000, please note the need to verify the material (steel or iron) and the manufacturing process (forged or stamped vs. cast).